Nippon TV variety show explores rising popularity of infidelity-themed media

The Nippon TV variety program ‘Sakusaku Himuhimu ☆Oshi no Furu Yoru☆’ featured a deep dive into the rising popularity of ‘infidelity content’ in manga and television dramas. Data presented during the broadcast indicated that the number of works themed around infidelity has increased approximately sixfold over the last decade, with sales growing by about fiftyfold.

The discussion traced the evolution of these themes, noting a shift from stories focusing on the ‘forbidden love’ of the unfaithful to modern ‘revenge dramas’ where the betrayed party seeks retribution. This shift, which gained momentum around 2018, often utilizes storytelling techniques such as accumulating small betrayals to build tension before a satisfying climax.

Guests including Kendo Kobayashi, Yukiko Nonomura, Hakuyuki, and Kisumi Amayu participated in a roundtable discussion regarding their personal boundaries for infidelity. While perspectives varied—ranging from Kendo Kobayashi’s acceptance of physical intimacy to others’ strict refusal of even emotional or social closeness with others—the segment highlighted the complex social fascination with the taboo subject.